The latest 2.2 update brings numerous fixes, yet the underlying game remains unchanged.
Daedalic Entertainment’s journey with “The Lord of the Rings: Gollum” appears to be reaching its end. The recent “major update” patch notes end on a note that suggests the studio may be concluding its development efforts.
The game’s inception was met with skepticism, as the choice to center the game around Tolkien’s infamous character was questioned. Delays from 2021 to 2023 hinted at developmental challenges. Despite hopes for a dark horse success, the game was poorly received, with a 64% score from our review, which acknowledged its beauty and charm despite its flaws. However, it sits at a 39 aggregate score on Metacritic and a “mostly negative” user rating on Steam.
Following the game’s unfavorable reception, Daedalic issued an apology for not meeting expectations and promised updates to enhance the game experience. Yet, the question of the game’s ultimate potential remains, as bugs can be fixed, but fundamental issues may not be as easily addressed.
The tone of the 2.2 update announcement seems to signal a farewell, focusing on bug fixes and performance enhancements. While there’s minimal reaction on Steam, the few comments are positive, with some users encouraging continued development. However, with only a handful of active players and Daedalic’s shift to focus on publishing rather than internal development, further updates seem improbable.
I’ve reached out to Daedalic for comment on future patches and will provide updates accordingly. Below are the full patch notes.
| Update Features | Description |
|---|---|
| DLSS Mode Adjustment | Changed default from “off” to “auto” to address stuttering with RTX without DLSS. |
| Environment Bug Fix | Resolved a bug where parts of the environment could be missing. |
| Quest Marker Fix | Addressed an issue with disappearing quest markers after continuing from the main menu. |
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- Improved checkpoint system for better stability and gameplay.
- Corrected the Bird’s color issue in the breeding mission.
- Fixed a blocker in the beetle conflict sequence.
- Resolved overlapping issues with the Pause Menu and Game Over screen.
- Enhanced NPC navigation around Gollum.
For those interested in exploring the patch further or considering giving “The Lord of the Rings: Gollum” another chance, the update is available now. Whether this marks the end of Gollum’s journey or not, the patch aims to provide a more polished experience for current and future players.
